holiday
Meaning: A period of time spent away from work or school for rest and recreation
The noun 'holiday' in British English refers to a period of time away from work or school for leisure and travel (what Americans call 'vacation'). It can also mean a public holiday or bank holiday when most businesses are closed. The phrase 'on holiday' is standard British usage, while Americans say 'on vacation.'
Examples
- We're going on holiday to Spain next month. 我们下个月要去西班牙度假。Nos vamos de vacaciones a España el próximo mes.来月スペインに休暇で行きます。다음 달에 스페인으로 휴가를 갑니다.
- The office is closed for the bank holiday weekend. 办公室银行假日周末休息。La oficina está cerrada por el fin de semana de festivo bancario.オフィスはバンクホリデーの週末は閉まっています。사무실은 뱅크 홀리데이 주말에 문을 닫습니다.
- She's taking a week's holiday to visit her family. 她要休一周假去探望家人。Se está tomando una semana de vacaciones para visitar a su familia.彼女は家族を訪ねるために1週間の休暇を取っています。그녀는 가족을 방문하기 위해 일주일 휴가를 내고 있습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Old English 'hāligdæg' meaning 'holy day' (hālig 'holy' + dæg 'day'). Originally referred to religious feast days when work was forbidden; the secular sense of 'time off for leisure' developed later.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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